Retail business owners in Batemans Bay will have access to free, in-person advice about the NSW Government’s single-use plastics ban, when experts from the National Retail Association visit tomorrow, September 7th 2022.
Lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles were banned across NSW in June this year further single-use plastic items, such as straws, cutlery, plates, and unlidded bowls, will be phased out by November.
The National Retail Association has been working closely with the NSW State Government to provide advice and resources to thousands of businesses, including a dedicated team visiting retailers in their stores, holding online sessions, and manning a toll-free hotline.
NRA Chief Executive Dominique Lamb said that the NRA’s engagement with over 12,000 businesses across NSW since February has been very well-received.
“Retailers and their suppliers are highly supportive of environmental initiatives, with many already phasing out single-use plastics, measuring their carbon footprint and committing to strong packaging and food waste targets,” Ms Lamb said.
“We find small and medium businesses appreciate the personalised support and resources, given that they are having to juggle running their business, serving customers, and supporting their staff.
“Our services assist retailers with understanding exactly what is – and isn’t - banned, communicating with customers through the transition, and managing the costs of conducting business.
“We have also engaged suppliers and over 100 community, religious, sporting and cultural peak bodies, which together represent over 20,000 organisations, to help everyone prepare and transition,” she said.
The National Retail Association is visiting retailers within key shopping centres and retail precincts in Batemans Bay this week.
“We are looking forward to visiting as many retailers in the local area as possible tomorrow to provide factsheets and signage, and to help them understand what they need to do to comply with the ban,” Ms Lamb said.
“Now is the time for businesses to prepare for the November ban by ordering alternatives, running down existing stock, and displaying signage to inform customers.
For more information, business owners should visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics-ban, email sustainability@nra.net.au or call the NRA’s Hotline 1800 844 946.
The NSW ban, from 1 November 2022, includes single-use plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, plates, unlidded bowls, EPS food containers.
Already banned, from 1 June 2022: lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles which are 35 microns or less
The National Retail Association has developed resources and signage for businesses which can be found on the NSW Government website: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics-ban.
They’re also visiting thousands of retailers in their stores, holding community sessions and manning a tollfree hotline up to and beyond the NSW ban.